Alcoholism Treatment Manchester

Alcoholism is a complicated concept and disorder that many people do not fully understand or comprehend. In fact, many people throw the word alcoholic around as a joke about anyone who drinks alcohol or who has gotten drunk at one point or another. This misuse of the word and joking attitude regarding a very real struggle and addiction can reduce the likelihood of someone seeking alcoholism treatment. Joining an alcoholism treatment program is the only way to successfully overcome and control this addiction. At Alcoholism Treatment Centers Manchester, we provide patients with the education, treatment and tools they will need to successfully complete the recovery process and become productive members of society. Call us today at 860-288-8653.

What Is The Definition Of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is defined as a chronic and degenerative disorder in which a person develops a physical and mental dependency upon alcohol. Alcohol addiction is characterized by cravings for the substance, a constant preoccupation with it, and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms they go without it. Those who abuse it, develop a tolerance, meaning that in order for them to achieve the same physical or mental effects that the drug once provided, they will require more and more of the drug over times.

Symptoms of alcoholism include an inability to control drinking behaviors, stashing alcohol and hiding it around the house, problems and work or in school, and isolation from people and activities they once cared about.

The Difference between Abuse and Addiction

The main problem that many people have in understanding alcohol addiction is the confusion between substance dependence and substance abuse. In basic terms, alcoholism is a disorder and alcohol abuse is an action or activity. As such, abuse can be a symptom of addiction, but not all people who abuse the drug are necessarily alcoholics.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is what most people jokingly refer to as alcoholism. It is defined as excessive consumption with the intention of becoming intoxicated and that raises the blood alcohol level rapidly to 0.08 percent or above. Binge drinking is a common occurrence in the United States. It is estimated by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that in 2013 24.6 percent of people 18 or older reported binge drinking in the last month.

Blackouts

Another form of abuse comes in the form of blackout. This is a state of being in which the amount of alcohol in a person’s body causes them to lose their short-term memory, rendering them unable to recall the time in which they are intoxicated. When a person is blackout drunk they are still conscious and engaging in active behaviors, but have no recollection of it later.

Treatment

Alcoholism treatment starts with going through detox. Detox is the process by which the body eliminates any remaining alcohol from the system. It also involves going through the process of withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause symptoms such as depression, anxiety, extreme cravings, aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and an increased heart rate. Because withdrawal can be so uncomfortable and difficult, detox is best performed in a treatment center or rehab facility. This will ensure safety and success in the process.

Following detox, treatment focuses mainly on maintaining sober living going forward. This means identifying the reasons a person initially started abusing alcohol and became addicted, dealing with those issue properly, and developing coping mechanisms going forward that help the patient to avoid relapse. This is done mainly through individual and group therapy, but can also include yoga, chiropractic care, and art therapy.

As you can see, alcoholism is a complicated concept. And while alcohol abuse is a symptom of alcoholism, not all people who abuse alcohol are alcoholics. However, if you find yourself struggling with alcohol cravings or feel you need it to get through your days, do not hesitate to seek out help and get proper alcoholism treatment.